April28, 2015

Mr. Speaker, under the leadership of Senator Cornyn and Senator Wyden, the Senate has unanimously passed the bipartisan JusticeforVictimsofTraffickingAct . This bill will help stop modern-day slavery here in America. The House has passed a similar bill under the sponsorship ofCarolyn Maloney and myself.

We have acknowledged international human traffickingfor years. Now, we acknowledge and put sufficient resources behind the fight against the buying and selling of human beings. Slavery in America is not going to be tolerated.

The bill penalizes traffickers and buyers. Mr. Speaker, buyers have escaped the long arm of the law for too long. The bill also treats trafficking victims as victims and not criminals.

We can no longer deny the scourge of rape and abuse of our children. I strongly encourage the House leadership to immediately bring up the Senate compromise, JusticeforVictimsofTraffickingAct , for a vote.

Victims are people, too. Let it be known that America's kids are not for sale, and woe be to anyone that sells them or buys them in the marketplace of slavery.